Crayfish: from invasive pest to culinary delicacy

Crayfish are a small but flavorful delicacy that’s becoming increasingly popular on menus. The species found in Dutch waters today aren’t native to the region, yet they’ve spread rapidly across ditches, lakes, and rivers. Introduced by human activity in the last century, these crustaceans have thrived thanks to their adaptability and the lack of natural predators.

In this article, we take a closer look at the world of crayfish, exploring the different species, fishing methods, preparation techniques, and the many ways to enjoy them in the kitchen.

Topics covered in this article

• An introduction to crayfish
• What exactly are crayfish?
• Different crayfish species
• The spread of the American crayfish in the Netherlands
• How are crayfish caught?
• How to prepare crayfish
• Culinary uses and applications
• Delicious crayfish recipes
• The nutritional value of crayfish
• Where to buy crayfish? Explore Mooijer’s selection

An introduction to crayfish

Crayfish have been a prized delicacy for centuries, especially in countries like China, Spain, and the United States. They belong to the crustacean family and bear a strong resemblance to their larger marine relatives. In the Netherlands, crayfish have only recently gained popularity—both in nature and in the culinary world.

Nowadays, most crayfish found in Dutch waters are non-native species. The European crayfish, once common in the region, has almost completely disappeared since the last century due to the so-called “crayfish plague,” a disease introduced by invasive species.

What exactly are crayfish?

Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda, which literally means “ten-legged.” They are often mistaken for small lobsters, but while they are closely related, they have a distinct habitat, thriving in freshwater environments. Crayfish are easily recognized by their hard shell, two claws, and elongated tails. They typically range in size from 5 to 15 centimeters, about the length of a hand, and are most commonly found hiding in still or slow-moving waters like ditches, ponds, and lakes.

Their diet is highly varied, consisting of aquatic plants, insect larvae, snails, small fish, and carrion. This broad food selection allows them to adapt easily to different environments, contributing to their rapid spread.

Different crayfish species

There are hundreds of crayfish species worldwide, but in the Netherlands, non-native varieties are the most common. The main species found here include:

Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
This bright red crayfish is the most dominant species in the Netherlands. With its strong claws and meaty tail, it is highly suitable for consumption. It can be identified by its vivid red color and the small red bumps on its claws.

Spotted Crayfish (Faxonius limosus)
Recognizable by the brown spots on its shell and the orange tips of its claws. It is slightly smaller than the Red Swamp Crayfish but still perfectly edible.

Spiny-Cheek Crayfish (Faxonius limosus)
This species has a greenish-brown color and distinctive bumps on its claws. It is mainly found in the eastern provinces of the Netherlands.

Californian Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
Larger than most other species, with a relatively smooth shell and white spots on its claws. Less common but still suitable for consumption.

Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis)
Unique due to its method of reproduction: only female specimens exist, and they reproduce asexually (parthenogenesis), allowing them to multiply at an incredibly fast rate.

For culinary purposes, the Red Swamp Crayfish is by far the most popular, large, flavorful, and with firm, meaty flesh.

The spread of the American crayfish in the Netherlands

The Red Swamp Crayfish originates from the marshes and rivers of the southern United States and Mexico. It was introduced to Europe in the 1980s for commercial farming but quickly escaped and effortlessly spread through local waterways.

This crayfish is incredibly resilient, it can survive in heavily polluted water, withstand low oxygen levels for extended periods, and burrow into the ground during droughts. These survival skills have made it one of the most successful invasive species in the Netherlands.

The impact of the Red Swamp Crayfish:

• The problem: this species digs burrows along riverbanks and dikes, which can weaken their stability, an especially serious issue in the Netherlands. Additionally, they feed on aquatic plants and small water animals, disrupting local ecosystems.
• The opportunity: by catching and consuming these crayfish, we can help control their population while also enjoying a local and sustainable delicacy.

In the United States, particularly in Louisiana, crayfish are a culinary staple. Crawfish boils are a beloved tradition—large quantities of crayfish are boiled with spices and typically served with corn and potatoes.

How are crayfish caught?

Catching crayfish isn’t just allowed, it’s actively encouraged. These invasive crustaceans cause significant damage to Dutch waterways, and by catching them, you’re helping to minimize their impact. However, there are some regulations to keep in mind:

• Only licensed commercial fishermen are allowed to use traps and nets.
• Recreational fishers can only catch crayfish using a dip net or fishing rod.

If you want to try it yourself, the evening is the best time, as crayfish are most active at night. Using bait such as fish scraps, dog kibble, or any strong-smelling food can help lure them to the surface. However, be aware that releasing caught crayfish into different waters is strictly prohibited, as this would only worsen the problem.

By catching and eating them yourself, you’re not only helping to control an invasive species but also bringing home a fresh and tasty delicacy!

How to prepare crayfish

Preparing crayfish is simpler than you might think. Whether you have fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked crayfish, you can create a delicious meal with just a few easy steps.

Preparing fresh crayfish:

1. Rinse the crayfish under cold running water.
2. Let them soak in salted water for about 30 minutes to remove sand and debris.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with salt, lemon, and herbs like bay leaves or thyme.
4. Add the crayfish to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they turn bright red.
5. Let them cool briefly, then twist off the tail and pull out the meat. The claws also contain edible meat, so don’t forget those!

Preparing frozen crayfish:

Frozen crayfish are often already cooked and don’t need to be heated for long. Here’s the best way to prepare them:

Thawing:

1. Allow the crayfish to thaw slowly in the refrigerator (ideally 8-12 hours) or speed up the process by placing them in cold water (about 30 minutes).
2. After thawing, rinse them briefly with cold water.

Reheating:

• Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil with herbs and salt, then submerge the crayfish for up to 2 minutes to heat through.
• Steaming: Place the crayfish in a colander above a pot of boiling water and steam them for 3-4 minutes.
• Stir-frying: Add the thawed crayfish to a hot pan with butter, garlic, and herbs, and stir-fry them for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
• Grilling: Coat the crayfish with herb butter and grill them for 3-4 minutes in a hot grill pan or oven at 200°C (390°F).

Preparing pre-cooked crayfish

Pre-cooked crayfish can be eaten as is, but you can enhance their flavor by briefly heating them in herb butter, broth, or a sauce:

• Serving cold: Use them directly in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.
• In warm dishes: Add them last to pasta, risotto, or soup, and let them warm up just briefly.
• Marinating: Let peeled crayfish meat marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 15 to 30 minutes for extra flavor.

Culinary uses and applications

Crayfish have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of shrimp and lobster. Their mild taste makes them a great fit for a variety of dishes:

Pasta and risottos – The soft flavor of the crayfish meat pairs wonderfully with garlic, lemon, and parsley. It adds a luxurious touch to creamy risotto, while in lighter pasta dishes, it provides a fresh and refined flavor.

Salads – The tender texture and subtly sweet taste make crayfish an ideal addition to salads. Combine them with avocado, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a delicious summery dish.

Soups and bisques – The aroma and flavor of crayfish deepen the taste of soups. Particularly in a bisque (a classic French shellfish soup), this flavor shines through beautifully.

Sandwiches and wraps – Crayfish, paired with a creamy sauce or spicy mayo, make for a surprisingly tasty filling for sandwiches or wraps. Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch.

Stir-fries – In Asian cuisine, crayfish are often quickly sautéed in a wok with garlic, chili, and ginger. This creates a spicy, aromatic dish that lets the crayfish really stand out.

Delicious crayfish recipes

Recipe: pasta with crayfish, lemon, and parsley

Ingredients (4 serves):

• 400 g pasta
• 300 g crayfish meat
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 red chili, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and chili.
3. Add the crayfish meat and cook for a short time.
4. Add the cooked pasta along with a splash of pasta cooking water.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Nutritional value of crayfish

Crayfish are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are high in protein and low in fat. Per 100 grams of crayfish, you get approximately:

• Calories: 84 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g

In addition, crayfish contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, copper, selenium, and phosphorus.

Where to buy crayfish? Explore Mooijer’s selection

At Mooijer, you’ll find high-quality crayfish products. Our crayfish are sustainably caught and carefully processed, ensuring you enjoy a delicious delicacy. Explore our full range and taste the flavor of crayfish.